Other Croatia

News portals in Croatian language

Index.hr: One of the largest news portals in Croatia, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, and culture.

Jutarnji List: A popular daily newspaper offering current news and analytical materials.

Večernji List: A daily publication covering national and international events.

Slobodna Dalmacija: The largest daily newspaper in the Dalmatia region, focusing on local news and events.

News portals in English

Total Croatia News: Provides news, articles on travel, sports, business, and politics in Croatia in English.

The Dubrovnik Times: An English-language portal covering news and events in Dubrovnik and its surroundings.

Croatia Week: An online publication offering news and articles about life in Croatia for an English-speaking audience.

Italian Language

In the Istria region, where a significant Italian minority resides, the Italian language is widely used. Local media, such as "La Voce del Popolo," provide news and information in Italian, covering events relevant to the Italian community in Croatia.

International news resources

Euronews: An international news channel providing news about Croatia in various languages.

BBC News: A British broadcasting company covering world events, including news from Croatia.

Radio and Television

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija): The national broadcasting company of Croatia, offering programs and news in Croatian.

N1: A 24-hour news channel broadcasting in several Balkan countries, including Croatia.

Social media and mobile applications

Many of these publications have pages on social networks and mobile apps, allowing for real-time updates.

By staying informed about local events through these resources, immigrants will be able to better adapt to life in Croatia and stay informed about what's happening in the country.

Stereotypes about Croatia and Croats are diverse and often reflect simplified notions about the country and its people.

Croatia is solely a tourist country with beautiful beaches.

Many perceive Croatia only as a place for summer vacations, known for its beaches and Adriatic coastline. While tourism plays a significant role in the economy, the country also has a rich cultural heritage, developed industry, and agriculture.

All Croatians are passionate football fans.

Football is indeed popular in Croatia, especially after the successes of the national team on the international stage. However, the interests of Croatians are diverse and include other sports, art, music, and science.

Croats are reserved and cold people.

There is a belief that Croats can be cold and unfriendly to foreigners. In reality, many visitors note the hospitality and friendliness of the locals, especially in tourist regions.

All of Croatia is a homogeneous country without regional differences.

Croatia is characterized by significant regional diversity. For example, residents of Zagreb are considered more reserved, while in Dalmatia, people are known for their sociability and relaxed lifestyle.

Croats are exclusively Catholics.

Although the majority of the population practices Catholicism, there are also representatives of other denominations and religions in the country, reflecting cultural and religious diversity.

Croatia is part of Eastern Europe.

Some mistakenly associate Croatia with Eastern Europe. In fact, the country is located in Central and Southeastern Europe, which is reflected in its history and cultural ties.

Croats are an aggressive nation.

There is a stereotype that Croats are prone to aggression. However, this generalization is not reflective of reality; as in any nation, people's characters are diverse.

Croatia is a poor and underdeveloped country.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Croatia went through economic difficulties, but in recent years, the country's economy has steadily developed, and the standard of living has significantly improved.

All Croats are descendants of Herzegovina.

There is a view of the dominance of Herzegovinian descendants in Croatian politics and business. While some influential individuals have these roots, this does not reflect the overall picture.

Croatia - a dangerous country due to recent wars.

Despite the military conflicts of the 1990s, today Croatia is a safe country with a low crime rate, attracting millions of tourists annually.

It is important to understand that stereotypes are often based on incomplete or distorted information and do not reflect the complexity and diversity of Croatian society.

Transport and Navigation

Google Maps: An indispensable assistant for navigating through cities and regions of Croatia, providing routes for walking, public transportation, and driving.

Uber: A popular taxi service available in major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Bolt: An alternative taxi service offering competitive prices and extensive coverage.

BlaBlaCar: A platform for finding travel companions for intercity trips, allowing savings on travel and meeting new people.

Arriva Croatia: An application for searching and booking bus tickets across the country, convenient for planning trips.

Public Transport

Moj ZET Zagreb: An app for residents and visitors of Zagreb, providing information on bus and tram schedules, as well as real-time updates.

Promet Split: A similar app for the city of Split, helping to navigate the local public transport system.

Language and Communication Apps

Tandem: A language exchange platform where you can practice Croatian with native speakers and improve your communication skills.

Viber: A widely used app in Croatia for free calls and messages, popular among both locals and expats.

Housing Search

Airbnb: Ideal for short-term rental housing upon first arriving in the country.

Njuškalo: The largest Croatian classifieds platform where you can find options for long-term property rentals.

Health and Safety

Resettle in Croatia: An app containing useful information for people who have received asylum or subsidiary protection in Croatia, covering aspects of life in the country such as healthcare, education, and housing.

Food and Shopping Delivery

Glovo: A food and goods delivery service operating in major cities of Croatia.

Wolt: Another popular app for ordering food from restaurants with fast delivery.

Useful Resources for Immigrants

Croatia Relocation: An online platform providing information and support for expats, including tips on using local apps and services.

Festivals and Cultural Events

Dubrovnik Summer Festival: Held annually from mid-July to the end of August, offering theatrical performances, classical music concerts, and dance shows on the streets of historic Dubrovnik.

Rijeka Carnival: One of the largest carnivals in Europe, held in January-February, with vibrant parades, costume processions, and musical performances.

Špancirfest in Varaždin: A ten-day street festival in late August – early September, featuring concerts, theatrical performances, and art installations.

INmusic Festival in Zagreb: The largest open-air music festival in Croatia, gathering international and local performers of various genres in June.

Vinkovci Autumns: A folklore festival in September dedicated to preserving the traditional culture and customs of the Slavonia region.

Music and Dance Events

Ultra Europe in Split: A three-day electronic music festival in July, attracting tens of thousands of fans from around the world.

Sonus Festival on Pag Island: A five-day techno and house music festival in August, held on the famous Zrće beach.

Theatrical and Film Festivals

Motovun Film Festival: An annual independent film festival held in July in the picturesque town of Motovun in Istria.

Zagreb Animation Festival: One of the world's leading animation film festivals, held in June.

Gastronomic Festivals

Days of Truffles in Istria: September and October are dedicated to truffle harvesting, with tastings and fairs in towns like Buzet and Motovun.

Oyster Festival in Ston: A March celebration where you can try fresh oysters and local wines on the Pelješac peninsula.

Sports Events

Croatia Rally: Part of the World Rally Championship, held in April around Zagreb.

4 Islands MTB Stage Race: An international multi-day mountain bike race held on four islands of the Kvarner Gulf in April.

Traditional Festivals

Samobor Carnival: One of the oldest carnivals in Croatia, held in February in the town of Samobor, featuring masquerades and public festivities.

St. Blaise's Day in Dubrovnik: Celebrated on February 3rd in honor of the city's patron saint, accompanied by religious processions and cultural events.

Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities

National Parks: Visiting Plitvice Lakes, Krka, and other parks offers hiking, waterfall viewing, and observing unique flora and fauna.

Water Sports: Kayaking, diving, and sailing are popular along the Adriatic coast.

Nightlife

Clubs and Bars: Cities like Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik are renowned for their nightclubs and bars offering entertainment until morning.

Craft Fairs and Shopping

Traditional Markets: Fairs are regularly held in towns and villages where you can purchase local crafts, souvenirs, and food products.

Beach Holidays

Adriatic Beaches: Croatia is known for its clean beaches with crystal-clear waters, suitable for family holidays and water activities.

In Croatia, public restrooms are available in various locations, especially in tourist areas. You can find them in airports, bus and train stations, gas stations, shopping centers, as well as on popular beaches and near major attractions.

In some cases, there is a fee for using public restrooms, so it is recommended to carry small euro coins. Additionally, most cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers offer free restrooms for visitors.

For convenience, you can use mobile apps like "Flush" or "Toilet Finder," which provide information about the location and condition of restrooms in your area.

Language Schools and Courses in Croatia

University Programs: Many Croatian universities offer Croatian language courses for foreigners.

Private Language Schools: In major cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, there are language centers offering intensive and evening Croatian language courses for different skill levels.

Online Resources and Mobile Apps

Loecsen: A free online course offering basic Croatian lessons for beginners.

Lingohut: A platform with over 125 free lessons focused on self-study of the Croatian language.

Ling App: An interactive app offering a variety of lessons and exercises for learning Croatian.

50LANGUAGES: An online course offering materials for learning Croatian at various levels.

Individual Lessons with a Tutor

Preply: A platform where you can find qualified Croatian language teachers for online lessons tailored to your goals and schedule.

Language Life School: An online school offering individual Croatian lessons with native speakers via Skype.

Self-study Guides and Learning Materials

Lingvofon: An express course for beginners, providing the basics of Croatian grammar and vocabulary.

HorvLang: An online school offering a free video course "Croatian for Beginners" and other learning materials.

Practice with Native Speakers

Language Exchanges: Participation in language clubs and meetings with native speakers can help improve conversational skills and understand cultural nuances.

Online Platforms: Services like Tandem or HelloTalk allow you to find conversation partners for practicing Croatian.

The choice of suitable method depends on your preferences, goals, and available time. By combining different resources and approaches, you can effectively master the Croatian language and feel confident in a new linguistic environment.

In Croatia, there are 12 national holidays, which are official days off when most institutions and businesses are closed.

Traditions and Cultural Events

Carnivals: In anticipation of Lent, various cities in Croatia host carnivals with masquerade parades and folk festivities. The Rijeka Carnival is particularly famous, attracting many participants and spectators.

Folklore Festivals: Throughout the year, festivals dedicated to the preservation of traditional music, dances, and crafts are held in different regions. For instance, the city of Vinkovci annually hosts the "Vinkovci Autumn Festival," which is dedicated to Slavonian traditions.

Religious Rituals: Croatia is predominantly a Catholic country, and religious holidays like Christmas and Easter are celebrated with special rituals and family traditions. During Advent, Christmas markets and concerts are organized in cities.

Gastronomic Festivals: Various regions in Croatia hold festivals dedicated to local cuisine and products. For example, Istria is known for events related to truffles and olive oil, while Dalmatia is famous for those celebrating seafood and wines.

St. Martin's Day: Celebrated on November 11, it is associated with the tradition of blessing young wine. In wine-making regions, celebrations with wine tastings and folk songs are held on this day.

St. Nicholas Day: On December 6, children receive gifts from St. Nicholas, and according to tradition, his companion Krampus punishes the naughty ones.

St. Lucia's Day: On December 13, it is customary to plant wheat in small bowls; by Christmas, it sprouts and symbolizes new life and fertility.

Croatia is a country with rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, offering many attractions for visitors.

Dubrovnik: Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," this city impresses with its medieval walls, narrow streets, and historical buildings. A walk along the city walls offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

Split: The second-largest city in Croatia, home to Diocletian's Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split's old town blends ancient history with modern life.

Plitvice Lakes: A national park known for its cascading lakes and waterfalls surrounded by dense forests. It is one of the most picturesque places in the country, attracting nature lovers.

Pula: A city on the Istrian peninsula famous for its Roman amphitheater—one of the largest and best-preserved in the world. Pula is also known for its festivals and cultural events.

Hvar Island: A popular destination for tourists due to its scenic beaches, vineyards, and lavender fields. The town of Hvar is known for its architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Zagreb: The capital of Croatia, offering a mix of historic and modern architecture. It is recommended to visit Gornji Grad (Upper Town) with its narrow streets, cathedral, and museums.

Rovinj: A charming town on the Istrian coast with colorful houses, narrow streets, and a picturesque waterfront. It's an ideal place for romantic walks and exploring local cuisine.

Krka National Park: Known for its stunning waterfalls and the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Krka River. The park is also rich in historical and cultural monuments.

Zadar: A city with a rich history where contemporary art blends harmoniously with ancient ruins. The "Sea Organ" and "Greetings to the Sun" are particularly noteworthy—unique installations on the waterfront.

Omiš: A town located at the mouth of the Cetina River into the Adriatic Sea, known for its canyons and opportunities for active recreation like rafting and rock climbing.

Greetings and Addresses

Greetings: When meeting, it is customary to shake hands, accompanied by direct eye contact and a smile. Close friends and family may exchange cheek kisses, usually three times, starting with the right cheek.

Addresses: In formal situations, use titles and last names until invited to switch to first names. Croats value formality in business and first meetings.

Punctuality

Time: Despite a general inclination towards punctuality, small delays (up to 15 minutes) are considered acceptable in informal settings. However, for business meetings, it is recommended to arrive on time.

Communication and Gestures

Language: Croatian is the official language, and even small attempts to speak it will be appreciated. Many Croatians speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Gestures: Avoid using the "OK" gesture (forming a circle with the thumb and index finger), as it can be perceived as offensive in Croatia.

Clothing

Dress Code: Conservative and elegant clothing is preferred in a business environment. In everyday life, Croatians dress stylishly, especially in cities.

Hospitality

Visits: An invitation to a home is a sign of trust. It is customary to bring a small gift for the hosts, such as flowers, chocolate, or wine.

Footwear: In most homes, it is customary to remove shoes upon entering; it is recommended to check with the hosts.

Behavior in Public Places

Public Transport: Give up your seat to elderly people, pregnant women, and disabled individuals.

Queues: Observe the queue order and do not attempt to skip the line; this is considered impolite.

Religious and National Sentiments

Religion: Croatia is a predominantly Catholic country. Respect religious customs and traditions, especially in small towns and villages.

National Pride: Croatians are proud of their independence and culture. Avoid topics related to the former Yugoslavia if unsure of the interlocutor's reaction.

Business Etiquette

Negotiations: Business meetings usually start with small talk on general topics before getting to the main point. Directness is valued, but it is important to maintain politeness and respect.

Gifts: Gifts are not mandatory in a business environment, but small souvenirs with symbols of your country may be appreciated.

Respect for local traditions and customs will help establish good relations with Croatians and facilitate the adaptation process in the country.

In Croatia, the local government system is organized following the principles of decentralization and is aimed at ensuring citizen participation in managing local affairs. Administratively, the country is divided into 21 counties, including the capital Zagreb, which has the status of a county. Counties are divided into cities and municipalities.

Local Government Authorities

Counties: These are regional units responsible for coordinating and managing affairs that go beyond individual cities and municipalities. Each county has its representative assembly – the county assembly, whose members are elected in local elections. The executive power in the county is exercised by the county prefect, elected directly by the citizens.

Cities and Municipalities: Responsible for local issues that directly affect the daily life of citizens, such as utilities, education, healthcare, and social welfare. Management is carried out through city and municipal councils, whose members are elected in local elections. The executive function is performed by the mayor in cities and the municipal head in municipalities, also elected directly.

Functions and Powers of Local Authorities

Local authorities in Croatia have significant powers in areas such as:

Education: Management of preschool institutions and participation in school management.

Healthcare: Provision of primary healthcare and management of local medical institutions.

Utilities: Water supply, sewage, waste management, and maintenance of public infrastructure.

Culture and Sports: Support for cultural institutions, organization of sports events, and development of local tourism.

Interaction with Central Authorities

Local authorities operate within the framework established by national legislation and cooperate with central authorities to ensure policy coherence and effective service delivery to citizens. The Ministry of Administration of the Republic of Croatia is responsible for coordinating and controlling the activities of local authorities, as well as developing policy in the field of public administration.

Thus, the local government system in Croatia provides decentralized management, allowing citizens to actively participate in decision-making related to their local communities.